The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held against their will in Sagamu after they were reportedly lured to Nigeria with promises of securing Canadian and Spanish visas.
The victims, comprising seven men and four women, were rescued by operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit following actionable intelligence received on October 19, 2026.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, stating that the operatives swiftly mobilised to the suspected hideout and successfully freed all 11 victims.
“Acting on actionable intelligence received on 19 October 2026, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit immediately mobilised to the identified hideout and safely rescued all eleven victims,” the statement said.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their travel to Canada and Spain.
The victims reportedly paid GH₵40,000 each for the promised overseas travel arrangements before being brought to Nigeria, where they were allegedly held against their will.
“Each reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and held against their will,” the statement added.
Following the rescue operation, the police said the victims were receiving appropriate care and support as investigations continued to uncover the circumstances surrounding their ordeal.
Detectives are also intensifying efforts to identify, track down and arrest all individuals allegedly connected to the suspected criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its swift response, professionalism and successful rescue operation.
Ojajuni reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, combating transnational criminal activities and ensuring that Ogun State does not become a safe haven for individuals who exploit unsuspecting people.
The commissioner stressed that the police would sustain efforts to ensure that those responsible for the alleged crime were brought to justice.
“No safe haven for criminals who exploit the hopes of others,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The command also urged members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with overseas travel agents and visa facilitators, advising prospective travellers to verify the authenticity of travel arrangements before making financial commitments.
It further encouraged residents to report suspicious activities and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing and investigating criminal operations.
Reaffirming its resolve to tackle criminal networks, the command said it would continue to rely on intelligence-led policing, effective collaboration with relevant agencies and decisive enforcement measures to protect the public.
“For the Command, every credible lead matters, every life matters, and protecting the public remains paramount,” the statement added.
